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Tag: uLesson

  • uLesson cuts subscription by 50% due to economic hardships

    uLesson cuts subscription by 50% due to economic hardships

    Helping families through this “period and beyond,” uLesson, an edtech startup from Nigeria, has announced plans to cut subscription fees for educational software by 50% “indefinitely.”

    The founder of the company, Sim Shagaya, made the announcement today on X. The CEO of uLesson, Ayooluwa Nihinlola, stated that this change will help families cope with the current economic climate.

    In January 2024, the headline inflation rate in Nigeria was 29.90%, up from 28.92% in December 2023, a 0.98% increase, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    This sharp increase from December shows the continued upward trend of inflationary pressures, which indicates broader economic strains. Millions of Nigerians are impacted by inflation every day. In a nation where food prices are climbing at a rapid pace, the consequences are more apparent and worsen the situation for families with little resources.

    Read also: uLesson introduces Miva Open University

    It is becoming increasingly difficult for many families to afford basic necessities as a result of the increasing cost of goods. This inflationary pressure makes things worse for Nigeria’s economy, which is already struggling with issues like currency devaluation, infrastructure deficits, and unemployment.

    Many users may need help to afford uLesson’s educational subscriptions. You can see the prices for the different plans on the company’s website: ₦20,000 for the minimum 3-month plan, ₦50,000 for the 6-month plan, and ₦150,000 for the lifetime plan.

    Users will now take advantage of a substantial discount, paying only half of the initial costs, though it is still being determined if uLesson altered these subscription fees prior to the announcement on X.

    In 2019, Sim Shagaya established uLesson with the goal of closing the achievement gap in Africa’s elementary, middle, and high schools by making high-quality, electronically delivered education more accessible and affordable.

    Math, English, physics, economics, English literature, financial accounting, basic technology, business studies, and English are just some subjects available on the online learning app.

    Students can also get assistance from the organisation in getting ready for tests such as the General Certificate of Education (GCE), National Examination Council (NECO), and West African Senior School Certificate of Examination (WASSCE).

    Students from a number of African nations, such as Rwanda, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Gambia, Kenya, and Uganda, have access to the platform’s live classes, video libraries, practice exams, homework assistance, assessments, and quizzes.

    The company’s educational content, which includes interactive animations, quizzes, and tests, is subject to thorough review by subject matter experts before being designed, implemented, and made available to the public.

    Why uLesson is able to do this

    While other companies are cutting staff and increasing the prices of their goods and services, uLesson is offering a 50% discount on subscriptions, showing a distinct approach. In light of this, one might wonder if the business or the service providers will take a financial hit as a result of this cost-cutting move.

    With $25.6 million raised over four rounds (the most recent being a Series B round on December 9, 2021), the company may be considering lowering subscription fees to stay accessible and competitive in the edtech market, which could explain why they are doing so during a funding downturn.

    They may have another project in the works, like a product for high schoolers. Time will reveal the truth, whatever it may be.

  • uLesson introduces Miva Open University

    uLesson introduces Miva Open University

    After making a name for itself as a leading provider of online K-12 education across Africa, the innovative Nigerian edtech behemoth uLesson has announced its entry into higher education with the launch of Miva Open University. 

    After four years of tremendous success in the K-12 arena, during which time an ecosystem of online learning was established, one that resonated with millions of people across the continent, this strategic shift was made.

    uLesson’s founder, Sim Shagaya, took to Twitter to share the news that a licence has been issued to the company’s subsidiary, Miva Open University. This is a big deal for the company because they want to expand into higher levels of schooling after K-12. The Federal Executive Council granted Miva a licence after the National Universities Commission (NUC) recommended it, allowing the company to put its extensive knowledge of the K-12 market to use in the higher education sector.

    Read also: Online learning may replace in-person tutoring

    Since uLesson’s beginning in 2019, Shagaya has been its visionary. He recently shared his excitement and thanks with the NUC for their thorough procedure and openness to working together. He promised that Miva Open University would revolutionise distance learning in terms of accessibility, cost, effectiveness, convenience, and originality. Computer Science, Software Engineering, Accounting, Economics, Business Management, Public Policy & Administration, Data Science, and Cybersecurity degrees will be our first offerings, followed by a quick expansion into other degree categories, such as nursing and law.

    Miva Open University will provide fully accredited degrees, in contrast to the K-12 model, which supplements standard school lessons with regionally relevant curriculum. This action further demonstrates uLesson’s dedication to its comprehensive education approach, which aims to meet the urgent demand for high-quality, low-cost higher education.

    The news is being released at a time when Nigeria’s higher education system is struggling with issues like inadequate funding, a high student-to-teacher ratio, and inadequate facilities. Students, especially those interested in pursuing careers in the technological sectors, have been compelled by this fact to seek education elsewhere, primarily through online platforms.

    GetBundi, Lagos Government, Launch STEM Learning in Schools 

    More On The uLesson app

    The uLesson app has been downloaded over two million times, and the company has received praise from educators, parents, and kids. Shagaya hopes to use his recent successes as a springboard to transform higher education in his home region completely.

    Miva Open University’s mission is to close the skills gap in Africa by providing young people with the education and credentials they need to meet the growing demand in fields like data science, software engineering, and cybersecurity. In his own words, Shagaya elaborated, “Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education that helps our students succeed in the digital marketplace.”

    Other Nigerian edtech ventures, such as AltSchool Africa, which provides certificates in computing courses after a year of study, may present competition for uLesson as they set out on their grand adventure. Miva’s licenced degree programmes are a potential USP that might help it stand out in Africa’s growing edtech sector.

    uLesson’s entry into higher education is a significant movement as the digital landscape continues to revolutionise teaching and learning across Africa. How this growth develops and what impact it has on Africa’s broader digital education environment will be fascinating to observe.